Hi Brickboarders,

I am new to this site and a first time Volvo owner. I just bought a 1994 855 na with 100k miles, and I have a few questions.

1) The ATF looks like a nice clear red, with no burnt smell. Should I do a flush anyway and maybe run synthetic fluid?

2) The car had a slight vibration (mostly through the steering wheel) especially at slow speeds. The faster I drive, the smoother it gets! Also, it looks like the front tires are wearing unevenly (outer and inner edges), with the passenger side being the worst offender. Are these symptoms of a common problem on these cars?

3) How do I tell the date of manufacture for this car? I understand there was a mid year change on some components, ie. ball joints/controll arms etc.

4) I have a receipt showing the previous owner had the timing belt changed at 70k, but there is not a decal under the hood to indicate this work. Should there be? Is there another way I can be sure the work was done? I think the 100k service includes changing the cambelt(?). Is this another part, or another way of referring to the timing belt?

5) What prepentive service would you recommend, seeing that we don't know much about this car's history?

6) Anyone have experience with painless dent removal on minor dings? What is the approx. cost for a few light dings?

My wife and I love this car! Saftey + style + good deal = happy owners

Thanks in advance,
Rick